Diabetic polyneuropathy (DPN) is a complex and multifactorial entity in which various
factors besides hyperglycemia play an important role. Symptoms of DPN are sensory, motor or autonomic.
Intensive research proved that oxidative stress is the common denominator for the four major
destructive pathways of hyperglycemia including increased hexosamine pathway flux, activation of
Protein kinase-C (PKC) pathway, increased Advanced Glycated End-products (AGEs) formation, and
increased Polyol Pathway flux. National data in Egypt confirms that more than 60% of Egyptian
diabetic patients suffer from neuropathy. The most common complications of DPN are Cardiac
Autonomic Neuropathy (CAN), diabetic foot and ulcers, neuromuscular disability, and anxiety. In
addition, DPN affects the Quality of Life (QoL). According to common clinical practice, the common
diagnostic tools are bed-side diagnosis and electrophysiological tests. Early diagnosis is critical to
improve the prognosis of DPN and therapeutic intervention in the early phase. In this review, we provide
a clear understanding of the pathogenesis, early diagnosis and the good management of DPN.
Since the pathogenesis of DPN is multifactorial, its management is based on combination therapy of
symptomatic; either pharmacological or non-pharmacological treatments, and pathogenic treatment.
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a potent anti-oxidant that has several advantages as a pathogenic treatment
of DPN. So, in clinical practice, ALA may be prescribed for patients with early neuropathic deficits and
symptoms. Patient education has an important role in the managemement of DPN.
Gestational Diabetes is diabetes that is first diagnosed in the second or third trimester of pregnancy that is not clearly either preexisting type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The diagnosis of GDM in early pregnancy by either FPG or OGTT values is not an evidence base. Because GDM became a risk for the development of type 2 diabetes after delivery. Moreover, it is prevention interventions are available. Therefore, women who are diagnosed with GDM should receive lifelong screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Vitamin D deficiency is a low serum level of vitamin D3(hypovitaminosis), and when it is associated with pathological symptoms then it is known as vitamin D deficiency. Recently, there is some evidence to endorse that change in vitamin D level and calcium homeostasis may play a role in the occurrence of diabetes mellitus. In addition, it may be associated with defect in pancreatic beta cell functions and insulin sensitivity.
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